After earning your degree in aviation management, you may wonder what the next steps are for your professional growth. The aviation management field has several professional development options available so that you can build upon your skills.
Certified Aviation Manager | NBAA
Overview
The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program provides professionals development and best practices, signifying that you’re qualified to lead organizations using business aircraft, according to the CAM information handbook. The exam covers five subject areas:
- Leadership
- Human Resources
- Operations
- Technical and Facilities Services
- Business Management
The CAM exam has 175 questions in a multiple-choice format, with three and a half hours to be completed in one sitting.
Eligibility
In order for a candidate to apply to the CAM program, they must earn at least 100 eligibility points, have a minimum of two years’ work experience in business aviation, provide two letters of recommendation, sign the application and submit the application fee. Eligibility points are determined by a combination of employment history, formal education, licensing and certification and professional development.
For employment history, all candidates must have a minimum of two years’ experience in business aviation, including corporate flight department, aviation management company, aircraft fractional ownership company, consultant, charter, air taxi or other related flight operations involving the use of business aircraft. Employment eligibility points are awarded based on the candidate’s experience and level of responsibility.
Formal education points depend on the depth of education achieved, ranging from an aviation trade school to a graduate degree. Licensing and certification points are given to mechanic ratings as well as pilot ratings. Demonstrating professional development through continuing education is also a critical component.
Cost
The CAM study Guide has varying costs depending on whether or not the candidate is an NBAA member and the length of the subscription; a six-month subscription for an NBAA member is $150, but a one-year subscription for a non-member is $250. The application fee costs $100 for an NBAA member and $125 for a non-member. Then, the exam costs $975 for members and $1,250 for non-members. You can find all pricing information here.
Aviation Management Professional | IATA
Overview
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers the Aviation Management Professional (AvMP) designation as a way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the aviation profession. The AvMP designation is just one of the many professional development opportunities the IATA offers. To see a selection of their diplomas, click here.
Eligibility
The eligibility for the IATA AvMP designation depends on the candidate’s education level and years of full-time relevant experience:
- Master’s degree | 4 years
- Bachelor’s degree | 5 years
- Diploma or certificate | 8 years
A candidate can earn professional designation despite being new to the industry if they are a graduate of one of IATA’s diplomas and have two years of work experience in aviation. Candidates must also submit a curriculum vitae, proof of education/training, letter of motivation and two reference letters for consideration.
The validity of the designation lasts three years. To maintain your designation, candidates must earn points by demonstrating continued professional development, including working in the industry, completing IATA aviation courses, being a guest speaker, attending an industry-related event and being a member of an industry association. After 36 months, proof of your professional development points is evaluated as well as a copy of your current IATA AvMP designation, curriculum vitae and reference letters.
Cost
The registration fee is $100 for graduates of eligible IATA diplomas, $300 for IATA Authorized Training Center (ATC) instructors and $600 for other applicants.
Certified Member | AAAE
Overview
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member (C.M.) exam signifies to employers and fellow professionals that you are dedicated to airport management. The 180-question, multiple-choice exam that covers four modules: finance and administration; planning, construction and environmental; airport operations, security and maintenance; communications and community relations.
Eligibility
To enroll in the C.M. program, candidates must be members of the AAAE or IAAE and pay the membership dues and program enrollment fee.
Cost
The program fee is $200 and includes access to digital study materials and one-time access to the internet-based exam. Obtaining an Academic Graduate membership of the AAAE costs $150.
Florida Tech’s bachelor’s degree in aviation management online provides the foundational knowledge needed to take the C.M. exam when combined with the association’s recommended exam prep. To learn more about Florida Tech’s online aviation management degrees, click here.
*CAM is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accreditation by the NCCA demonstrates to the business aviation profession and the general public that the CAM program has been reviewed by a panel of impartial experts and found to comply with the rigorous NCCA standards. The CAM program is the first in the aviation industry to receive this credential.